@Quercus:
Personally, and I really do mean for me PERSONALLY, so don't anybody get upset. I would be hesitant to buy from a breeder that WOULD sell me my first show/breeding potential Basenji outright. I mean, if she is going to sell me nice enough dog for a novice to finish, and possibly start a breeding program with…it is going to be a nice enough dog that she wants to keep some options for using it in her program in the future, AND have some control over how the dog is used for breeding in the future. She also may want to help the person purchasing her puppy through the process of becoming a responsible and successful showman/breeder and custodian of our breed.
It isn't like dogs are pieces of art, or rocking chairs, or ashtrays...you don't just make them and sell them to whomever has the money...there is a lot of responsiblity to place puppies in the right homes, and a responsible breeders take it seriously.
Each and every one of our our six dogs, and some of the others that have been placed in their forever homes are co-owned with their breeders; after over ten years being active in the breed. In my opinion it is a safeguard, and a benefit, rather than a drawback to owning the dogs.
Really well put. And that is exactly how it has gone with my new pup, Aaliyah. She is co-owned by Eldorado and is still part of their showing/breeding program. If I don't do well for Liyah because I don't know what I'm doing showing wise, they will help out. Also, there may be some "bred by exhibitor" class showings that they want to do. Regarding breeding, I have no desire whatsoever to do that…I don't have the knowledge, or understanding at this point, and quite frankly the time to do all the necessary research/studying. Whether she will be used in their program is up to them as she gets older and they see what develops. I'm just starting to understand all the terms in the breed standard for showing purposes, so obviously how could I make breeding decisions.
To me it is a huge benefit that she is co-owned...it is a big responsibility (even the showing part) that I am not ready for on my own.